Cultural Exponent Borish Dutta

Borish Dutta January 15, 2017

Borish Dutta performing live.

Early Years of Borish Dutta

Borish Dutta was born to a culturally rich family in Guwahati. The three year old Borish Dutta was introduced to this great form of classical dance by his father and teacher, Late Guru Jibanjit Dutta. Under his tutelage the young Boris Dutta showed calibre and promising talent as a future exponent of Sattriya Dance. Television media spotted and chose him to perform at the tender age of seven . In 1999, Guwahati Doordarshan Kendra was the first to give this then upcoming talent a platform to exhibit his art under the eminent guidance of his Guru. Undoubtedly, one and all applauded his performance. The appreciation and encouragement, motivated young Borish Dutta to continue his passion with hard work as well as devotion.

Achievements of Borish Dutta

The seven year old realised that looking back was no longer an option; moving ahead developing his skills was his only goal. Keeping his ambition in mind, he went to participate in many events and workshops. Borish’s hard work soon got rewarded. In 2005, he won the National Scholarship in Sattriya Dance. Borish Dutta obtained his Visharad Degree in Sattriya Dance from Sangit Sattra in the year 2010, not surprisingly he secured ‘Special Position’.

He is a beyond doubt a dedicated and passionate artist. Although he enjoys the stage but he makes sure the audience stays spellbound by his dance. The perseverant Borish Dutta has earned kudos and accolades by performing in various states including his home state, Assam.

In 2015 won the prestigious title of Mr. Guwahati, organised under the banner of Prag News channel.

And the learning journey continues…

The learned is always curious and Borish Dutta is not an exception. Alongside dance, he gradually developed interest to learn the folk musical instrument called Khol. Today, his cultural journey do not end with dance, he is nurturing his talents by showing tremendous interest in Khol. Consequently, in 2010-11 he successfully obtained his Diploma in Khol with flying colours.

Guru Jibanjit Dutta and Guru Bhabananda Borbayan of Uttar Kamalabari Sattra, Majuli trained him to play the Khol skillfully. His hunger for music did not end here and hence, Borish decided to do a training on Tabla under the esteemed guidance of Guru Jatin Chetia.

Furthermore, a Master’s degree in English from Guwahati University is his another academic endeavour.

Sattriya Dance- A Classical Indian Dance

Borish Dutta December 30, 2016

Sattriya Dance by Borish Dutta

A Brief History of Sattriya Dance

Sattriya is one of the eight major Indian Classical Dance forms. This conventional dance form came into being from Krishna centered Vaishnavism Monastries of Assam. Thereafter, Sattriya art grew as part of the Vaishnava Bhakti movement.

Mahapurusha Sankaradeva, the renowed scholar and cultural genius was the founder of Sattriya Dance. Thus this dance form prospered and progressed under his initiation back in 15th Century. Sattriya was also considered as a powerful medium for propagation of the Vaishnava faith .

The dance was an accompaniment to the Ankiya Naat. However, initially the dance was restricted within the boundaries of Sattras, the monasteries in Assam. In addition, this dance form was then performed only by the Bhokots( Male monks) as part of their daily rituals or to mark special festivals. With the passage of time Sattriya dance soon gathered popularity, hence emerged from the confines of Sattras to a much wider recognition. The dance recitals tell tales from mythology.

Performance by Borish Dutta

An Outline of Sattriya

Especially relevant part of the Sattriya dance is that, it is performed not before any idols but before a copy of Bhagvata Purana placed in eastern corner called Manikut inside temples and monastries.

Sattriya dance consist of three distinct part- Guru Vandana, Ramdani and Geet Abhinaya. The first two is performed without any music and the third part is based on the childhood tales of Lord Krishna.

Sattiya Nitrya is accompanied by musical compositions called Borgeets, which are classical based ragas. The instruments that accompany this traditional dance are Khols(drums), taals(cymbals) and the flute.

Performance by Borish Dutta